Federer leading the way

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It is hard for Roger Federer to explain his recent dominance of tennis, but the world No. 1 believes that the security of knowing he is already a grand slam tournament champion has added an extra element to a game that, physically, lacks for nothing. Today at Wimbledon, he attempts his first defence of a major title, on the court that is not yet home, but feeling more like it all the time.

"I think I'm a more complete player, more secure," the top-seeded Federer said after last night's two-part semi-final defeat of Sebastien Grosjean on another rain-affected day at the All England club, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6).

"I know what I have to do that maybe last year wasn't quite there because I (had) never won a grand slam.

"I don't know if everybody realises actually that this is only my third grand slam final. And I'm very thrilled, even though my matches have been rather easy, so I couldn't make somersaults. But I'm very happy to be again in the finals and to actually do have the chance now, finally, to defend my title. I'm really looking forward to this, this next match."

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Federer will face Andy Roddick in a much-anticipated final between the world No. 1 and the player he succeeded at Melbourne Park in January. Roddick defeated unseeded Croat Mario Ancic 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 and will go in search of his second grand slam title to add to his United States Open crown.

"To be in the final is amazing. I never dreamed of being a top player and making grand slam finals," Roddick said last night.

"I'm looking forward to going up against Roger - he's the best in the world."

But it is Federer's third grand slam final in a year, and he has built a perfect 2-0 record in the first two - most recently at January's Australian Open.

"Now I have a chance to win my second Wimbledon, and that would also, you know, pass that winning streak from Sampras," Federer said. "Hardly lost a serve, hardly lost a set. For me, it's very difficult to explain why and how it comes. I just try to focus for every match. And it seems like it's really working out for me. The grass suits my game."

He has beaten the American in five of their six career meetings, including the only one on grass - here, last year, in straight sets.

Grosjean, though, sounded a note of caution. "(Federer's) playing very well, for sure. But you know, maybe against Roddick, it's going to be difficult. He's serving so well, so he can keep his serve, as well. So (Federer) is maybe favourite, but not that much."